Report: Pavel Mintyukov open to a move if he's not playing, can the Maple Leafs afford the price?
Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs could make a play for former top-10 pick Pavel Mintyukov after falling out of favor in Anaheim.
The Anaheim Ducks are reportedly facing the possibility of trading defenseman Pavel Mintyukov, after he reportedly indicated interest he'd like to be moved if he doesn't get to play.
According to Elliotte Friedman in '32 Thoughts', Mintyukov, the Ducks first-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft at 10th overall, is looking at trade possibilities after being a repeat healthy scratch.
After back-to-back healthy scratches, word filtered that Ducks defenceman Pavel Mintyukov would like to be moved if he's not going to play.
He has fallen behind Jackson LaCombe and Olen Zellweger on the left side of Anaheim's defence. Ian Moore, who had a strong camp, was elevated in Mintyukov's place.
He has fallen behind Jackson LaCombe and Olen Zellweger on the left side of Anaheim's defence. Ian Moore, who had a strong camp, was elevated in Mintyukov's place.
Mintyukov has just three points in 18 games, after the last two seasons having 47 points in 131 games played as a youngster.
Why Pavel Mintyukov has lost his place in Anaheim
The issue for Pavel Mintyukov potentially waiting for his turn is that the players who have leapfrogged him in the lineup, LaCombe, Zellweger, & Moore, are all under the age of 24, and none are any younger than Mintyukov who is 21.
If Mintyukov wants to wait things out in Anaheim, he's stuck between three young defensemen ahead of him on the left side, and quietly making an impression in the AHL is Ducks 2023 first rounder Stian Solberg.
Mintyukov may look for an NHL team that gives him both a bigger opportunity this season, and more importantly, a pathway long-term that isn't having him battling other young defensemen for a spot.
Could the Toronto Maple Leafs be a team to acquire Mintyukov?
The Toronto Maple Leafs lack a young, upside left-handed defenseman, and it may be an opportunity for Toronto to upgrade on defense.
Mintyukov has potential as a former top-10 pick who has shown he can be an NHLer, but is struggling to consistently produce.
With a more veteran team such as Toronto, it could be an opportunity for Mintyukov to learn and grab a spot in the lineup both right away and long-term.
With a lack of a clear option beyond Morgan Rielly as the Leafs top LHD, Mintyukov could be a young gamble that brings a lot of rewards for Toronto.
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